Rapids Acquire Goalkeeper Preston Burpo From Earthquakes

June 27, 2010

COMMERCE CITY CO (May 21 2008) – The Colorado Rapids acquired veteran goalkeeper Preston Burpo and a 2009 fourth round SuperDraft pick in a trade today with the San Jose Earthquakes. In exchange the Rapids sent Jovan Kirovski and Kelly Gray to the Bay Area.

"With the expected absence of Bouna Coundoul and unexpected duration of the injury to Justin Hughes we needed to address our goalkeeping situation said head coach Fernando Clavijo.

"Preston is an experienced ‘keeper in MLS and will help solidify that position for us."

Burpo has a career goals-against average of 1.18 in 22 games all with Chivas USA in 2006 and 2007. The Maryland native was traded from Chivas to San Jose in the off season but has been limited to reserve division action this year behind Joe Cannon. Burpo spent time on the Rapids roster in the early 2000’s but never saw any game action.

Kirovski joined the Rapids in 2005 in a late season trade with the Los Angeles Galaxy and had scored 12 goals in 61 games. Kirovski had yet to see the field this season.

Gray returns to the Earthquakes after playing 20 games for them in 2005 and played 100 minutes in two games for the Rapids this season.